Overflow protection device



p 2, 1969 v. H. ZANE 3,464,437

' OVERFLOW Pnorracwrou DEVICE Filed Oct. 12; 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 56Fia. 7

lNVENTOR/S Were/2 A. ZANE BY ky m, M

ATTOR N EYS United States Patent 0 U.S. Cl. 137-487 14 Claims ABSTRACTOF THE DISCLOSURE An overflow protection device for automaticallycontrolled dishwashing or clothes washing machine of the type havingelectrically controlled valve means for the introduction of Washing andrinsing fluids into the washing chamber and a fluid discharge means forthe removal of washing and rinsing fluids from the washing chambercomprising a float mounted in the bottom of the washing chamber sump andencircling a stand pipe. The float has a central stem extendingdownwardly through the stand pipe and pivotally connected at itslowermost end to a lever having means in association therewith to closeeach of two or more switches sequentially as the float rises when thenormal water level is exceeded. The first switch disconnects allelectrical power to the washing machine; the second switch (or switches)actuates fluid discharge means, resulting in the discharge of fluid fromthe washing chamber.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of invention The invention relates toan overflow protection device, and more particularly to means forpreventing the overfilling with washing or rinsing fluids of the washingchamber of a dishwashing machine, clothes washing machine, or the like.

Description of the prior art For purposes of an exemplary showing, thepresent invention will be described as applied to dishwashing machines.It will be understood by one skilled in the art, however, that thedevice of the present invention is equally applicable to clothes washingmachines and similar automatic appliances. The use of the term washingmachine, both in the specification and claims, is intended to encompassdishwashing machines, clothes washing machines and like appliances.

Automatic washing machines of the type described normally comprise awashing chamber with a sump in the bottom thereof. The washing chamberhas an access opening and means for closing the access opening. Suchwashing machines are generally timer controlled, and are capable ofperforming a plurality of operations in sequence, the sequential seriesof operations usually being referred to as cycles. An exemplary form oftimer controlled dishwasher is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,310,243.

Normally, automatically controlled washing machines are provided withelectrically controlled valve means for the introduction of washing andrinsing fluids (such as water) into the washing chamber. The valve meansis actuated by the timing device, and is often used in conjunction witha flow metering device that restricts the rate of flow of fluid throughthe valve means within acceptable limits, regardless of minor fluidpressure variations.

Present day washing machines are generally provided with drain pumps forthe removal of spent washing and rinsing fluids from the washingchamber. Often, a dual purpose motor is employed, which may, inter alia,drive a reversible pump of known character and so arranged that rotationin one direction will produce an agitation or spraying of a washing orrinsing liquid contained in the washing chamber, while rotation in theopposite direction will drain the fluid from the washing chamber.

It will be understood by one skilled in the art that washing machines ofthe type described will be provided with a plurality of additionaloperating instrumentalities. No attempt has been made to outline theseadditional operating instrumentalities, since they are well known in theart as comprising (without limitation) a safety door switch, a heater,solenoid operated means for injecting surface-active or other substancesinto the washing chamber at desired times, a general illuminant, anindicator assembly comprising a series of signal lights havingconnection with the switches of the timing device, a rapid advance motorconnected to the timing device, and the like. For example, suchinstrumentalities and the circuitry therefore are described in detail inU.S. Patent No. 3,320,442.

The overfilling of the washing chamber of a washing machine can occurthrough any number of faulty conditions, such as failure of the timingdevice while the valve controlling switch is set for fluid entry intothe washing chamber, wear or damage to valve parts causing malfunction,entry of fluid through the drain system (through external fault such asa blocked sewer line), or valve malfunction caused by sediment, mineralsand the like contained in the metered fluid.

The use of drain pumps for the removal of spent washing or rinsing fluidfrom the washing chamber, precludes the use of simple overflows foroverfill protection. Presently available washing machines depend uponoverfill protection of two basic types. The first type comprises anelectrical safety switch that senses an excessive fluid level in thewashing chamber and interrupts the electrical circuit to the valve. Thesecond type comprises the provision of two or more valves in seriesconnection whereby failure of one valve will be compensated for by theproper functioning of the second valve.

The first type of overfill protection, although it is the most commonlyused one, is of value only when overfilling is caused by an electricalfailure. The second type of overfill protection is more expensive, andstill offers only limited protection. With this type, should a valvefail to close for any mechanical reason, the operator would be unawareof it since the second valve would still operate properly. Whereconditions are such that a valve is caused to malfunction due to theaccumulation of sediment and the like therein, it would be probable thatthe second valve would be subject to the same accumulation of sedimentand would malfunction shortly thereafter.

In accordance with the present invention, an overflow protective deviceis provided which will prevent overfilling of a washing chamberirrespective of the cause of the malfunction, and in such a way that theoperator will be made aware of the malfunction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an overflow protectiondevice for dishwashing machines, clothes washing machines and similarappliances of the type having a washing chamber with a sump in thebottom thereof, a timing device, a timer actuated valve for introducingfluids into the washing chamber, and a timer actuated discharge pump forremoving fluids from the washing chamber. In some washing machines, thedischarge pump may be a separate, motor driven pump. In other washingmachines, a dual purpose motor may be used to operate a reversing pumpwhich is so designed as to act as a discharge pump in one direction ofrotation only. No draining takes place when the motor is operated in theopposite direction of rotation for other purposes. In yet other washingmachines, a non-reversing pump may be used, having a discharge passagein the form of a modified Y with a solenoid actuated valve at the forkof the Y. One leg of the Y leads to a fluid recirculation passage, theother leg leading to a drain or discharge passage.

The overflow protection device comprises a float mounted in the bottomof the tub sump. The float encircles a stand pipe and has a central stemextending downwardly through the stand pipe to a point below the bottomof the sump. A lever is pivotally mounted to a bracket beneath the sump.One end of the lever is operatively connected to the lowermost end ofthe float stem. In one embodiment, the other end of the lever has amultiple cam section. In another embodiment the other end of the leveris provided with a plurality of actuating means. A raising and loweringof the float will cause movement of the lever about its pivot point. Thecam section of the lever (or the actuating means thereon) is so arrangedas to operate each of two or more switches sequentially when the floatis caused to rise by an increase beyond the normal of the fluid level inthe washing chamber.

The first switch serves to disconnect all electrical power to thewashing machine. If desired, the first switch may also power a signal,such as a light or buzzer, to indicate a malfunction.

The second switch connects the motor start relay contacts directly tothe drain direction phase winding of the motor and assures that no powercan be supplied to the opposite phase winding of the motor when a dualpurpose motor is used in connection with the drain pump. This secondswitch may be eliminated in instances where a separate drain pump isused. When a non-reversing pump with a bypass valve is used, the secondswitch will energize the solenoid actuated valve to close ofl? therecirculation passage and open the discharge passage.

Where a dual purpose motor is used in connection with the drain ordischarge pump, a third switch serves to disconnect the motor startrelay coil from the timer to preclude any feed back circuitry, andconnects the relay coil (and hence the motor windings) directly to thepower source. In instances where a separate discharge pump is used, or anon-reversing pump with bypass valve is used, the third switch willserve substantially the same purpose, i.e. it will disconnect the pumpfrom the timer and connect it directly to the power source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary crosssectional view illustrating the overflow protection device of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are schematic circuit diagrams for exemplarydishwashing machines equipped with the overflow protection device of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross sectional view illustrating anotherembodiment of the overflow protection device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the switch lever of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along the section line 88 of FIG.6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An exemplary embodiment of theoverflow protection device of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. The washing chamber of a washing machine is fragmentarilyillustrated at 1. The washing chamber has, at the bottom thereof, a sump2. The sump is provided with a vertical stand pipe 3, the upper end ofwhich extends above the spill-over level of the washing chamber. Thespill-over level is indicated by broken line 4. The normal water levelin the washing chamber is indicated at 5.

The overflow protection device of the present invention comprises ahollow float generally indicated at 6. While the exterior configurationof the float does not constitute a limitation on the present invention,for purposes of an exemplary embodiment the float is illustrated ascomprising a cylindrical exterior wall 7, and a circular top wall 8having a central upwardly extended portion 9. The bottom of the float isopen, as is generally indicated at 10.

The float has a central downwardly depending stem 11 adapted to extendthrough the stand pipe 3 to a point below the sump 2. The float also hasa downwardly depending cylindrical wall 12. The stem 11 and thecylindrical wall 12 define an annular opening 13 to accommodate thestand pipe 3. The annular opening 13 has a portion 13a of reduceddiameter extending into the portion 9 of the float top and forming acircular shoulder 14.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the float in its normal position is supportedby the stand pipe 3. The upper end of the stand pipe abuts the innersurface of the portion 9 of the float top. In this position, the openbottom 10 of the float is spaced from the sump 2 to permit the passageof fluid under the hollow float.

A downwardly depending bracket 15 is afl'ixed to the bottom exteriorsurface of the sump 2 by any suitable means such as welding or the like.A lever 16 is pivotally affixed to the bracket 15 by any suitable meanssuch as pivot pin 17. One end 16a of the lever 16 is operativelyconnected to the lowermost end of the float stem 11. While any pivotalconnection may be used, for purposes of an exemplary showing the leverend 16a and the lowermost end of the stem 11 are illustrated in FIG. 1as connected by a link means 18.

The end 16b of the lever 16 terminates in a cam section. For purposes ofan exemplary showing the cam section is illustrated as having four camsurfaces indicated at 19-22.

A multiple switch means (generally indicated at 23) is affixed to thebracket 15 adjacent the cam section end 16b of the lever. The precisenature of the switch means 23 does not constitute a limitation on theinvention.

For purposes of an exemplary showing, the switch means 23 is illustratedas comprising a switch stack, which in turn comprises three two-positionswitches 24, 25 and 26, each having a plunger or button 24a, 25a and 26arespectively. The switches are so constructed as to be in theirrespective first positions when the buttons 24a-26m are depressed, andin their respective second positions when the buttons are extended.These switches should further be provided with means for urging theswitch buttons to their extended positions. For example, the switchbuttons may be spring loaded to their extended positions.

As will be evident from FIGS. 1 and 2, when the float 6 is in its normalposition, the lever 16 will be so oriented as to cause cam surface 19 tomaintain switch buttons 24a-26a in their depressed positions. Thus, whenthe float is in its normal position, switches 24-26 will be in theirrespective first positions.

Should the fluid in the washing chamber 1 for any reason begin to risebeyond the normal level, the float 6 will be caused to move upwardly.Upward movement of the float 6 will, in turn, cause a clockwise rotationof the lever 16 about the pivot pin 17 (as viewed in FIG. 1). When anabnormal water level is reached in the washing chamber the upwardmovement of the float and the consequent clockwise rotation of the lever16 will be suflicient to cause cam surfaces 20, 21 and 22 tosequentially lie before switch buttons 2411-2611 respectively. Thus,switch buttons 24a-26a will be sequentially released from theirdepressed positions so that switches 24-26 will sequentially assumetheir respective second positions. Thus, as the fluid level rises abovenormal, switches 24-26 will be caused to sequentially move from theirrespective first positions to their respective second positions.

FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram for an exemplary washing machineemploying the overflow protection device of the present invention. Theleads 27 and 28 are the main power leads, extending to a source ofelectric power (not shown). A timing mechanism is diagrammaticallyindicated by the box 29 shown in dashed lines. The timer 29 may be ofany well known type. Generally it will comprise a motor. In someinstances the motor drives the device like a commutator which results inthe sequential, and in some instances simultaneous, opening and closingof electric switches. In other instances the timer motor drives arotating element which is provided with camming surfaces operatingelectric switches. The switch operating devices of some timers arearranged to be driven at constant speed during the operation of thewashing machine. In other instances, the switch operating mechanism isarranged to be advanced or rotated stepwise through the action of themotor. All of these variants of timers are old and well known.

The circuit diagram of FIG. 3 represents a simple form of washingmachine. As described above, washing machines may be provided with aplurality of operating instrumentalities, all of which are well known inthe art. In the exemplary embodiment, these switches which are to beoperated in sequence or simultaneously by the timing means are shownwithin the box 29 and are numbered 30-34 inclusive. Whether theseswitches are opened or closed will depend upon the position of thetiming device itself.

Washing machines of the general type described as exemplary herein willusually be provided with an access opening or door and a switch operatedby or in connection with the door in such a fashion that the mechanismof the appliance cannot be started until the door is closed. Such aswitch is shown in FIG. 3 at 35. The door switch is connected to powerlead 27 and to the timer through timer switch 30. Switch 24 of theoverflow protection device is illustrated as being in series with thedoor switch and is shown in its first position (the position it willoccupy when normal fluid levels are maintained within the washingchamber). It will be evident from the diagram that should switch 24occupy its second position, all electrical power to the dishwasher willbe disconnected. While switch 24 may be a single pole switch, it it is atwo-position switch it may be used to complete a circuit containing analarm or signal of any suitable type (diagrammatically indicated at 36).

The washingmachine embodiment of FIG. 3 is illustrated as having anelectrically actuated water valve 37 controlled by timer switch 31 and aheating means 38 controlled by timer switch 34. A pump motor isdiagrammatically indicated by the rectangle 39 shown in dashed lines.For purposes of an exemplary showing, the pump motor is illustrated asbeing of the dual purpose type (described above). The main winding 40 ofthe pump motor 39 is connected to power lead 28 and is in series withthe coil of a starting relay diagrammatically indicated by the rectangle41 shown in dashed lines. The starting relay 41 senses the amount ofcurrent in the circuit. Since the current drawn is high when the motoris operating below normal speed, the relay 41 will be actuated so as toconnect power to one or the other of motor windings 42 and 43, dependingupon the closure of timer switch 33. The resultant energization ofwinding 42 or 43 (which may be regarded as starting windings for themotor 39) determines the direction of rotation of the motor and alsoserves to bring the motor to normal speed. At normal speed the currentin the main motor winding 40 drops to a fixed lower level which allowsthe relay 41 to disconnect power to the previously energized startingwinding.

The motor 39 may, inter alia, drive a reversible pump of known character(not shown) and may be so arranged that rotation in one direction willproduce agitation or spraying of a washing or rinsing fluid in thewashing chamber, while rotation in the opposite direction will drain thefluid from the washing chamber. Since, therefore, it is necessary toreverse the motor 39 between washing and draining operations, thestarting relay 41 will be seen to be connected to windings 42 and 43through dual position timer switch 33. As illustrated, winding 42 is thestarting winding for motor 39 determining that direction of rotationresulting in draining of the washing chamber, while winding 43 is thestarting winding for the motor 39 determining the direction of rotationof the motor causing agitation or spraying of the washing or rinsingfluid.

The starting relay 41 is connected to timer switch 33 through switch 25of the overflow protection device. Switch 25 is illustrated in its firstposition (i.e. the position it will occupy when normal fluid levels aremaintained in the Washing chamber). It will be noted, however, that inits second position, switch 25 connects the motor relay directly to thewinding 42, bypassing timer switch 33. The second position of switch 25is that position which it will occupy when greater than normal fluidlevels occur in the washing chamber.

The starting relay 41 for the motor 39 is connected to the power lead 27through switch 26 of the overflow protection device (shown in its firstposition, normally occupied when proper fluid levels are maintainedwithin the washing chamber), timer switch 32, timer switch 30, doorswitch and switch 24. When switch 26 is in its second position, thestarting relay is connected directly to lead 27, bypassing timerswitches 30 and 32 and switches 24 and 35.

Overload switch or circuit breaker means may be provided for the motor39. Such a means is diagrammatically indicated at 44.

The operation of the overflow protection device of the present inventionmay be described as follows. When proper fluid levels are maintainedwithin the washing chamber, the float 6 and lever 16 will be in thepositions shown in FIG. 1. Switches 24, 25 and 26 will be maintained intheir respective first positions (as illustrated in FIG. 3) by virtue ofthe fact that switch buttons 24a26a will be maintained depressed by camsurface 19. When such is the case, the operating instrumentalities ofthe washing machine are free to be controlled by door switch 35 andtimer switches 3034.

As described above, should the fluid level in the washing chamber beginto rise above that which is normal, switches 2426 will be caused tosequentially assume their respective second positions through the agencyof the float 6, the lever 16, cam surfaces 20-22 and switch buttons 24a-26a.

Referring to FIG. 3, it will be noted that switch 24, the first switchto be caused to move to its second posi- 'tion, will disconnect allelectrical power to the dishwasher including water valve 37, and willpower an alarm or signal (if provided).

Switch 25 is the second switch of the overflow protection device toassume its second position. Switch 25 thus insures that the current fromthe contacts of starting relay 41 will be conducted directly to thedrain direction phase winding 42. Switch 25 further assures that nocurrent can be supplied to winding 43.

Switch 26 of the overflow protection device, the last switch to be movedto its second position, disconnects the motor start relay 41 from thetimer, precluding any feed back circuitry, and connects the relay (andhence motor windings and 42) directly to power lead 27.

Should the overfilling of the washing chamber be due to an electricalfailure, switch 24 provides all the protection that is necessary. Shouldthe fault not be electrical in nature, the level will continue to rise,until switches 25 and 26 have assumed their respective second positions,at which time the motor 39 and the discharge pump will cause a drainingof the washing chamber. Should the fault be an external one such as ablocked sewer line or the like, causing entry of fluid through the drainsystem, the motor 39 and pump will cause a pressure against fluidentering through the drain connection from the external source.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the float will remain in an elevatedposition even after the fluid level in the washing chamber has returnedto normal. This is true by virtue of the fact that the spring loadedswitch buttons 24a-26a will cooperate with the lever 16 to hold thefloat in its elevated position. A force greater than the weight of thefloat itself is required to rotate the lever 16 in a counterclockwisedirection to reset the switches to their normal positions. Thus, thedraining operation will be maintained until the float is manuallyreturned to the position shown in FIG. 1. In this way, the operator willbe made fully aware that a failure has occurred.

It will be understood by one skilled in the art, that in a washingmachine of the type having a separate motor and discharge pump assembly,the switch 25 may be eliminated. A circuit diagram for a washing machineso equipped is shown in FIG. 4. The diagram of FIG. 4 is similar to thatof FIG. 3, and like parts have been given like index numerals. Thediagram of FIG. 4 differs from that of FIG. 3 in that the pump motor 39ahas only the single starting winding 42 and hence is unidirectional. Asa consequence, switch 25 and timer switch 33 have been eliminated. Inthis embodiment, under normal operating conditions, the timer 29 isconnected to a source of power through the switch 24 and door switch 35.At the appropriate point in the timer sequence, the timer switch 32 isclosed and the motor 39a is energized through the switch 26 and thestarting relay 41.

When the water in the washing chamber rises above the normal level,switch 24 will first be opened, or switched to its second position if atwo-position switch is used. In the latter case, the switch 24 may beused to energize the alarm 36. The opening of switch 24, or the releaseof the switch to its second position will cut off all power to thewashing machine, including power to the timer and to the water valve 37.

Should the water continue to rise, switch 26 will be released to itssecond position, directly connecting the motor 39a and the startingrelay 41 to the source of power via lead 27. The motor 39a, connected toa discharge pump, will cause the water in the vat to be discharged.

FIG. is a diagrammatic representation of the circuitry of a washingmachine of the type having a non-reversing pump, the discharge passageof which may be connected either to a recirculation passage or a drainpassage. A solenoid actuated valve (generally indicated at 45) normallycloses the drain passage, and causes the pump to be connected to therecirculation passage. Upon energization of the valve 45, therecirculation passage is closed and the drain passage is opened.Energization of the valve 45 is normally accomplished through switch 25(shown in FIG. 5 in its normal position) and timer switch 33a.

All of the elements illustrated in FIG. 5 function in the same manner asdescribed with respect to FIG. 4 with the exception of the valve 45. Inthis embodiment, when the water within the washing chamber has reached alevel greater than normal, the switch 24 will first disconnect thewashing machine from the source of power. Should the water levelcontinue to rise, switch 25 will be moved to its second position,connecting the valve 45 directly to the source of power via line 27.Connecting the valve 45 directly to the source of power will insure thatthe discharge passage is open and the recirculation passage is closed.Should the water level still continue to rise, switch 26 will be movedto its second position, and the pump motor 39a will be energized.Energization of the motor 39a will cause the pump to discharge the waterfrom the washing chamber through the drain passage, by virtue of thevalve 45.

As indicated above, the nature of switch means 23 (see FIG. 1) does notconstitute a limitation on the present invention. In the embodimentdescribed with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cam surfaces on the lever.16 are so arranged as to release the switch buttons as failure occurs.It is within the scope of the invention to configure the cam surfaces insuch a way as to cause the switch buttons to be depressed as failureoccurs. Such an arrangement is not preferred, however, due to the smallamount of force available.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the switch buttons remain in theirundepressed poitions until the protection device is manually reset bypushing the float downwardly to its initial position as shown in FIG. 1.Such an arrangement gives constant drain operation. It is within thescope of the present invention to permit the float to return to itsfully seated position by gravity, thus enabling a recycling of the motorwith the float level variation which would rise and fall as the waterentered slowly and was pumped out rapidly.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate another form of switch means (generallyindicated at 46) which may be used in place of switch means 23 of FIGS.1 and 3. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the washing chamber, sump, stand pipeand float may be identical to that shown in FIG. 1, and like parts havebeen given like index numerals.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the float stem 11 is pivotally aflixed to oneend of a switch lever 47 by any suitable means such as pivot pin 48. Thelever 47 is most clearly shown in FIG. 7. The lever comprises a bodyportion 48, a pair of spaced rearward extensions 49a and 49b. Theextensions 49a and 49b may be provided with coaxial perforations 50a and50b respectively. The lowermost end of the float stem 11 is adapted tolie between the extensions 49a and 49b and the pivot pin 48 passesthrough the perforation in the float stem end and through theperforations 50a and 5012. At the ends of the body portion 48 of thelever there are forward extensions 51 and 52 bearing laterally extendingshafts 53 and 54 respectively.

The body 48 also has spaced forward extensions 55, 56

and 57 hearing downwardly depending actuating fingers 58, 59 and 60respectively.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, the switch means 46 comprises a housingwith a base member 61 and a cover member 62. The base member 61 may bemounted beneath the sump by any suitable means, as for example a bracketdepending from the sump bottom (not shown). The cover member 62 may beaflixed to the base 61 in any suitable manner, as for example by screwsor the like (not shown).

Opposite sides of the base member 61 are provided with opposed notches63 and 64 adapted to receive the lever shafts 53 and 54 respectively,whereby the lever 47 is pivotally aflixed to the base 61. The covermember 62 has a transverse slot 65 through which the rearward portion ofthe lever 47 extends.

For purposes of an exemplary showing, the switch means 46 is illustartedas having three two-position switches generally indicated at 66, 67 and68. Switch 66 is most clearly shown in FIG. 6. Switch 66 comprises aspring arm 69, one end of which is connected to a rearwardly extendingterminal 70. The spring arm 69 is movable between a first contact 71having a rearwardly extending terminal and a second contact 72, alsohaving a rearwardly extending terminal. The spring arm 69 is soconfigured as to normally engage the first contact 71.

The spring arm 69 has a perforation 73 therein, through which theextension 57 of the lever 47 extends. As shown in FIG. 6 the finger 60on the extension 57 is adapted to engage the spring arm 69. Thus, shouldthe float 6 and the float stem 11 be caused to move upwardly by anabnormal water level in the washing chamber 1, the lever 47 will becaused to pivot about the shafts 53 and 54 in a clockwise direction.This, in turn, will cause the finger 60 to move the spring arm 69 awayfrom the first contact 71 and against the second contact 72.

Switches 67 and 68 are substantially identical to switch 66. Switch 67comprises a spring arm 74, a first contact 75 and a second contact 76(see FIG. 8). Similarly, switch 68 comprises a spring arm 77, a firstcontact 78 and a second contact 79. Spring arms 74 and 77 are adapted tobe contacted by fingers 58 and 59 respectively of the switch lever 47.

It will be noted from FIG. 8 that the switch arms 69, 74 and 77 aremounted on the base member 61 at different levels. Consequently, as thelever 47 is caused to pivot in a clockwise direction (should the waterlevel in the washing chamber exceed the normal), spring arms 69, 74 and77 will be contacted sequentially by fingers 60, 58 and 59 respectively.Thus, switches 66, 67 and 68 will be caused to assume their secondpositions sequentially, switch 66 being first and switch 68 being last.For this reason, switches 66-68 maybe equated to switches 26-26 of FIGS.1 and 2, and may be made to serve the same function.v

The switch means 46 of FIGS. 6 7 and 8 may be used in any of the washingmachines described in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. In instances where any of theswitches 66, 67 or 68 should be of the single positionltype, this may beaccomplished by eliminating one of the two contact means in associationtherewith.

While "the switch means 46 of FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 has been illustrated, forpurposes of an exemplary showing, as having three switches inassociation therewith, it will be understood by one skilled in the artthat the switch means 46 may' be provided with any number of switches.It is only necessary to provide the lever 47 with an appropriate numberof extensions and fingers, and to locate the spring arms of each switchat a different level on the base 61 so that the switches may be actuatedby the lever 47 sequentially.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. In an automatic washing machine of the type having a washer chamber,a timer, timer controlled electric valve means for the'introduction ofwashing and rinsing fluids into the washing chamber, a pump for removingfluids from said washing chamber, a timer controlled motor for actuatingsaid pump, and circuitry for supplying power from a source to said timerand to said valve means and motor through said timer, an overflowprotection device comprising a stand pipe extending vertically from thebottom of said washing'chamber, a float, said float having a sternextending downwardly through said stand pipe to a position beneath thebottom of said washing chamber, said float and stem having a normalposition when said washing and rinsing fluids below a predeterminedlevel within said washing chamber, said float and stem movable upwardlywhen said washing and rinsing fluids exceed said predetermined level, atleast a first and second switch means, means in association with saidfloat stem to actuate said first and second switch means sequentiallywhen said float and stem move upwardly, said first switch means beingelectrically connected to interrupt power from said source to saidtimer, valve means and motor when actuated, said second switch meansbeing electrically connected to disconnect said motor from said timerand to connect said motor to said power source when actuated.

2. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for actuatingsaid first and second switch means comprise a lever, means for pivotallymounting said lever, one end of said lever being operatively connectedto said float stem, and means on the other end of Said lever forsequentially actuating said first and second switch means when saidlever is pivoted by upward movement of said float and stem.

3. The structure claimed in claim 2 wherein said means on said lever forsequentially actuating said first and second switch means comprises camsurfaces.

4. The structure claimed in claim 3 wherein said first and second switchmeans each have switch button actuating means, said switch buttons eachhaving a depressed and an extended position, means for urging each ofsaid push buttons to said extended position, said lever maintaining saidpush buttons in said depressed positions when said float is in saidnormal position, said cam surfaces on said lever being so configured asto sequentially release said push buttons to said extended positionswhen said lever is pivoted by upward movement of said float and stem,whereby to sequentially actuates said first and second switch means.

5. The structure claimed in claim 2 wherein said first and second switchmeans each have a contact arm movable between a first and secondposition, said contact arms normally occupying their respective firstpositions, said means on said lever for actuating said first and secondswitches comprising fingers, each of Said fingers adapted to contact oneof said contact arms, said contact arms being so arranged as to besequentially moved from their respective second positions by saidfingers when said lever is pivoted by upward movement of said float andstem.

6. The structure claimed in claim 1 wherein said first switch iselectrically connected to energize an alarm when actuated.

7. The structure claimed in claim 1 including a first passage forrecirculating fluids from said pump to said washing chamber and a secondpassage for conducting fluids from said pump to drain means, a secondtimer actuated electric valve means, said second valve when unactuatedconnecting said pump to said first passage, said second valve whenactuated connecting said pump to said second passage, third switchmeans, means in association with said float stem to actuate said thirdswitch means after actuation of said first switch means and beforeactuation of said second switch means, said third switch means beingelectrically connected to disconnect said second valve from said timerand to connect said second valve directly to said source of power whensaid third switch is actuated.

8. In an automatic washing machine of the type having a washing chamber,a timer, timer controlled electric valve means for the introduction ofwashing and rims ing fluids into the washing chamber, a timer controlleddual purpose motor and pump assembly capable of operating in a first andsecond direction of rotation and serving to remove fluids from thewashing chamber t drain means when operated in said first direction ofrotation, and circuitry for supplying power from a source to said timerand to said valve means and motor through said timer, an overflowprotection device comprising a stand pipe extending vertically from thebottom of said washing chamber, a float, said float having a stemextending downwardly through said stand pipe to a position beneath thebottom of said washing chamber, said float and stem having a normalposition when said washing and rinsing fluids remain below apredetermined level within said washing chamber, said float and stemmovable upwardly when said washing and rinsing fluids exceed saidpredetermined level, first, second and third switch means, means inassociation with said float stem to actuate said first, second and thirdswitch means sequentially when said float and stem move upwardly, saidfirst switch means being electrically connected to interrupt power fromsaid source to said timer, valve means and motor when actuated, saidsecond switch means being electrically connected to connect said motorfor said first direction of rotation when actuated, and said thirdswitch means being electrically connected to disconnect said motor fromsaid timer and to connect said motor to said power source when actuated.

9. The structure claimed in claim 8 including a starting relay for saidmotor, said motor being connected to said timer through said relay, saidthird switch means being electrically connected to disconnect said motorand starting relay from said timer and to connect said motor andstarting relay directly to said power source when said third switch isactuated.

10. The structure claimed in claim 8 wherein said means for actuatingsaid first, second and third switch means comprises a lever, means forpivotally counting said lever, one end of said lever being operativelyconnected to said float stem, and means on the other end of said lever.for sequentially actuating said first, second and third switch meanswhen said lever is pivoted by upward movement of said float and stem.

11. The structure claimed in claim 10 wherein said means on said leverfor sequentially actuating said first, second and third switchescomprise cam surfaces.

12. The structure claimed in claim 11 wherein said first, second andthird switch means each have switch button actuating means, said switchbuttons each having a depressed and an extended position, means forurging each of said push buttons to said extended position, said levermaintaining said push buttons in said depressed positions when saidfloat is in said normal position, said cam surfaces on said lever beingso configured as to sequentially release said push buttons to saidextended positions when said lever is pivoted by upward movement of saidfloat and stem, whereby to sequentially actuate said first, second andthird switch means.

13. The structure claimed in claim 10 wherein said first, second andthird switch means each have a contact arm movable between a first and asecond position, said contact arms normally occupying their respectivefirst positions, said means on said lever for actuating said first,second and third switches comprising fingers, each of said fingersadapted to contact one of said contact arms, said contact arms being soarranged as to be sequentially moved from their respective firstpositions to their respective second positions by said fingers as saidfloat and stem move upwardly.

14. The structure claimed in claim 8 wherein said first switch iselectrically connected to energize an alarm when actuated.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,724,383 8/1929 Walker 134572,621,666 12/1952 Ornas 13457 2,987,066 6/1961 Cushing et a1. l34--573,248,909 5/1966 Knerr 68208 X WILLIAM F. ODEA, Primary Examiner D. R.MATTHEWS, Assistant Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R.

